Smog from forest fire in Sumatra blankets Songkhla over weekend

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SONGKHLA, July 29 – Smog from a forest fire in Indonesia’s Sumatra blanketed Songkhla over the weekend, but particle dust levels are within the safety standard.

Smog from the forest fire covered Thailand’s southern provinces and affected visibility in the morning.

The southern meteorological centre inspected satellite images and detected 194 hotspots on Sumatra island, dropping from 681 hot spots. Winds from a southwest monsoon drove the smog over the area, while absence of rainfall has prolonged the smog’s presence.

Although dust particles measured in the atmosphere by the pollution control department was still within the safety standard, children and the elderly were advised to avoid outdoor activities.

In Trang’s ten districts, all road lights have been turned on to facilitate motorists driving in poor visibility. The local disaster prevention and mitigation office have also requested health masks from the Public Health Ministry to distribute to affected residents.